The systematic application of touch is called massage. Massage of a newborn can be done with or without a lubricant to reduce the friction between the hand and skin. Research supports the benefits of touch and massage therapy.
Some of the benefits of infant massage include better weight gain, better sleep-wake pattern, enhanced neuromotor development, better emotional bonding and colic management.
Infant massage can be part of a daily or weekly routine for mom or dad. It promotes relaxation in baby and can be their “special time”.
Skin to skin contact helps the growth and development of the baby and enhances the bonding relationship between baby and mom.
Massage can alleviate the effects of postnatal depression and help a mother have a more positive interaction with their baby.
Benefits of Massage
All massaged babies benefit in five general areas:
1. Relaxation: Infants tense their muscles when they cry and massage can help the baby learn to relax those tense muscles.
2. Relief: Gas produced from digestion and wastes can be hard to eliminate. Massage strokes over the abdomen can help the baby to eliminate excess gas and can improve his bowel movements.
3. Stimulation: Massage stimulates many of the baby’s body systems and improves their function.
4. Digestion: Massage helps to improve the baby’s weight gain and digestive process. Abdominal strokes help to move the digesting food through the intestines. It serves to decrease the production of stress hormones, which improve the function of digestive hormones.
5. Brain and Nerve Activity: The most active period of growth and development for a baby’s brain is the first 3 to 5 years of her life. The baby learns how to move her body, how to speak at least one language, how to behave in society, and how to love family and friends.
